Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Demonstration Time

I just got back from observing the startup of the Sean Bell demonstrations at Houston and Varick St., in NYC, which began at 3:00. I was there for only a short time, and may go back out there again in about an hour, as the demonstrations head towards a climax and rush hour. As of a few minutes ago, the crowd was about 100 people, there were no disruption to traffic, and the media easily matched the number of demonstrators 1 for 1. Police also had similar numbers. I think there were as many gawkers as there were protesters.

The protesters were marching up and down a segment of the block of Varick Street between Clarkson and Houston. There was a chant of 50 bullets - counting up from 1 to 50. Then, they sang we shall overcome... or at least repeated we shall overcome over and over.

A few signs were present, including one that had nothing to do with the incident considering that race played no role in the shooting - two of the cops involved were black, but when you get pre-printed signs, what do you expect - facts and logic?

I'll post more in the 6pm hour, including photos.

UPDATE:
WCBS880 and 1010wins have stories running about the demonstrations in other parts of the city. Also, a single news helicopter has been hovering over the area hoping for some action.

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